GAMBOL – Wordplay Wednesday™ 06/10/2020

Skip to My Lou, My Darlin’!* 

If only we adults could refrain from playground whining and crying, and just play together joyfully, like the big kids we really want to be.

I hope this week’s word reminds you to make your inner child happy and play—not in front of any video screen—take time just to …

GAMBOL (gamʹbɘl) n. – a jumping and skipping about in play, frolic (vi. – gamboled or gambolled, gamboling or gambolling; to jump, etc.) [WW #272]

In the written word, no one gambols anymore—they play or frolic, or even romp or cavort, but rarely do we hear of anyone gamboling. Great word for a character in your novel cavorting out of character, don’t you think? Or simply a novel way to describe child’s play with an old but forgotten word.

Word Challenge: GAMBOL. Not unique or weird word, but certainly odd enough to add zest to your story as you fit gambol into your week of youthful writings.

* Title reference: Wiki tells you young whippersnappers who probably don’t know that phrase, what in heaven’s name it means. Look out! ♪ Fly’s in the buttermilk, shoo fly, shoo … ♪

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

Cheers to learning a new word today!

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

*Note: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

Wordplay Wednesday™ June 7, 2017 – Naif

Channel Your Inner Child to Stay Sane in a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World  

Frustrated by the dire news that dominates our newsfeeds lately, I thought at one point, “our world has run amok.”

That led to a fond memory of a 1964 school trip to San Francisco for a showing of the zany It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, by film director/producer Stanley Kramer.

The title was considered facetious … back when violence and criminality could still be lampooned and viewed as predominantly absurd. My yes … it’s difficult to be innocent and unaware today. We’ve sure mucked up the world …

NAIF (nä ēfʹ) adj. / n. – a naïve person.  [WW #115] 

We used to think a certain air of naivety provided refreshing charm. Today, those who wish to harm us, make the naif features of our psyche dangerous to our health. How sad that we are vulnerable because we want to enjoy the simplicity in life.

In the mid-Sixties, Kramer—through shrewd business acumen, or with a naif bravado— gathered a huge ensemble cast of the early decade’s most popular actors: Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Buddy Hackett, Ethel Merman, Edie Adams, Phil Silvers, Mickey Rooney, Sid Caesar, and Jonathan Winters. That doesn’t count the supporting cast and cameos that included Jimmy Durante and Peter Falk.

The movie reflected an innocence we thought had been recaptured in the staid Stepford-style lives of the 1950s—mop-up decade following the wake-up call of World War II. The ‘60s began, nurturing our inner naif through a plethora of funny, inane, soul-soothing films.

Mad debuted November 7, 1963—just weeks before a new madness took over the world—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. We sorely needed its comic relief.

Events of the 1960s would irrevocably change us, our carefree spirit somewhat dampened and wary. But we had no idea that the next century would see naifs become practically extinct.

To watch It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World today, is a breath of fresh air. Maybe a little naif in each of us isn’t so bad … in fact, those of us who retain our inner childlike nature (at least to a small, protective degree), may find these naif qualities are what keeps us sane.

Word Challenge: NAIF. Sanity in an insane world. Consider how you retain your inner child and inclusive sanity as you fit naif into your simple, abstract writings.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

'Til next time ... enjoy a wonderful "wordful" week …

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

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